High-profile Labor candidate Peter Beattie has extended a last-minute olive branch to Katter's Australia Party for preferences.
Labor and the coalition are courting Bob Katter's team for preferences, especially in Queensland where their vote is expected to be strongest.
Mr Katter flew to Melbourne earlier this week for talks on the issue with Liberal federal director Brian Loughnane.
However, it's unclear what discussions Labor's preference negotiators, David Feeney and John Graham, have had with him.
Candidate nominations close on Thursday and the Senate's group voting ticket, which determines preference flows when voters cast an "above the line" ballot, will be finalised over the weekend.
The former Queensland premier, who sat in the state parliament when Mr Katter was a member, said the pair had their political differences.
But Mr Beattie said Mr Katter deserved much credit for standing up for Queensland.
"Katter will stand up for his area and what you see with Bob is what you get," Mr Beattie told reporters in Beenleigh on Wednesday.
"I don't see any difficulty, assuming I get elected - and that is up to the people of Forde - working with Katter.
"He shares with Kevin Rudd and I a passion for Queensland and that passion will actually make sure that Queensland is given the sort of recognition it should be in the national capital."
Mr Katter told reporters in Brisbane he's not leaning towards any party when it comes to preference swaps.
He said there's a lot of "wheeling and dealing" to be done before any preferences are decided.
KAP is expected to poll strongest in the seats of Herbert and Dawson and could also have influence in Capricornia, Flynn and Leichhardt.
There is also the prospect of picking up a Senate spot at the expense of Labor.
Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey has been tight-lipped about how far the coalition will go to secure Mr Katter's preferences.
"We don't do deals," he told reporters in Beenleigh.
"I know Bob Katter, I've met Clive Palmer once or twice. They're matters for the party but I'd say to you we will not do dirty deals with the Greens, only Kevin Rudd will."
Mr Hockey said Mr Rudd needs to be up front about what deals he'll do with the Greens and if he'll form a minority government with them.
